The Australian government has released a draft of the Aviation Customer Rights Charter, a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing air passenger protections amid growing dissatisfaction with domestic aviation services.
However, the highly anticipated inclusion of an EU-style airline compensation scheme for delayed flights has been omitted from the charter, sparking debate among travelers and industry stakeholders.
Despite calls for compensation similar to Europe’s system, which provides payouts of €250–€600 for delays exceeding three hours, the Australian government opted against adopting the model.
Airlines, including Qantas, reportedly opposed the proposal, citing concerns that such rules would increase operational costs and lead to higher airfares.
Released as part of the 2024 Aviation White Paper, the draft outlines expectations for airlines and airports, emphasizing passenger dignity, accessibility, and fair treatment. Key provisions include:
The draft, published on December 22, 2024, is open for public feedback until February 28, 2025. Parliament approval is required for the charter’s implementation, and while no timeline has been set, Minister King expressed urgency in advancing the legislation.
The charter aims to rebuild trust in Australia’s aviation industry by ensuring passengers receive timely remedies for cancellations, delays, and disruptions.
While its lack of an EU-style compensation scheme has drawn criticism, the government views the charter as a balance between consumer protection and maintaining affordable airfares.
The Australian public and stakeholders are encouraged to review the draft charter and share their input, helping shape the future of air travel protections in the country.
